When General Andrew Jackson was swept into the White House in 1828, voters wanted change. The growing young country seethed with discontent and rebellion. Farmers and drovers in the West and South resented the rich Easterners who ran the country for their own benefit. After the general's Inauguration, his supporters returned to the White House and proceeded to get liquored up. In an orgy of populist celebration, they smashed the china and crystal. Men in muddy boots stood on damask-covered chairs. The overdressed swells at the party were so alarmed by the rabble that they fled through the windows of the...